Fluid Pressure Cylinder Sensor Mounting Without Outward Protrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor attachment tools for fluid pressure cylinders protrude outward, interfering with surrounding equipment in narrow spaces, especially when used in fluid pressure cylinders with non-magnetic materials and magnetic position sensors.

Innovation Solution

A sensor attachment tool with a holder in a rail structure and an arm portion that is screw-fastened to the cylinder cover, eliminating the need for an outer band tightening mechanism, thereby suppressing outward protrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a band tightening mechanism is provided on the outer circumferential side of the holder to attach the position sensor, then the sensor can be securely attached to the cylinder tube, but outward protrusion occurs which interferes with surrounding equipment in narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of position sensorVSAvoidoutward protrusion of sensor attachment tool

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism transitions from a radial band tightening approach to an axial screw-fastening approach. The arm portion extends from the holder and is screw-fastened to the cylinder cover along the axial direction, moving the attachment action to a different dimensional orientation that avoids outward protrusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of tightening a band from the outside to secure the sensor, the invention inverts the approach by screw-fastening the arm portion to the cylinder cover from the end side, securing the holder and sensor assembly from the opposite direction and eliminating the need for an external band tightening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If a band tightening mechanism is provided on the outer circumferential side of the holder, then the position sensor can be attached to the cylinder tube, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capability of position sensorVSAvoidstructure of sensor attachment tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arm portion is integrated as an extension of the holder structure, combining the holder and attachment arm into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate band and tightening mechanism components, reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arm portion serves multiple functions: it extends the holder structure, provides the screw-fastening attachment interface to the cylinder cover, and secures the position sensor assembly. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11835070B2Sensor attachment tool and fluid pressure cylinder

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 SMC CORP

AI summary

A fluid pressure cylinder has a sensor attachment tool mounted thereon. A holder holds the position sensor in a rail structure extending in an axial direction of a cylinder tube and is secured by screwing to a rod cover or a head cover in an arm part provided to one end of the holder.